Cardinal Marx Attacks Bavarian Cross Proposal -- Calls Söder "Divisive"
The head of the German Bishops' Conference attacked the Bavarian Prime Minister. "If the cross is only seen as a cultural symbol, it has not been understood," says Reinhard Marx.
Hard criticism of Söder: Cardinal Reinhard Marx Photo: dpa / Sven Hoppe
[Tagesspiegel] The head of the Catholic German Bishops' Conference, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, has criticized the Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder for his cross-decree. It was encouraging "division, unrest, against each other," said Marx in an interview with the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". "If the cross is only seen as a cultural symbol, it has not been understood," said the Archbishop of Munich and Freising. "Then the cross would be expropriated in the name of the state."
It was not up to the state to explain what the cross meant, said Marx. It was "a sign of opposition to violence, injustice, sin and death, but no sign against other people."
Marx considers the social debate about the cross to be important, but
everyone should be involved: Christians, Muslims, Jews and those who are
not really religious. The state must ensure that religious beliefs can be articulated. But it can not determine what the content of this religious belief is.It could do something to make those values live."And this is what the state does with us." The Gospel can not be translated one-to-one into practical politics, Marx said.
"From a Christian point of view, however, it should be a guiding
principle for politicians to respect the dignity of every human being,
especially the weak. He who hangs a cross must be judged by these
standards."
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New Prime MinisterCrusader Söder and self-confident Bavaria
The Bavarian state cabinet had decided that from June a cross must hang in every office of state.
In the view of the state government, this should express the
"historical and cultural character" of Bavaria and be "a visible
commitment to the basic values of the legal and social order". The decision was controversial throughout Germany.(AP)
I did not understand the controversy until I read the final paragraph. The Bavarian prime minister wants the cross in every office of the state. Marx does not. No surprise there---In reality, Marx sees the cross as divisive. What is starting to become clear under this administration is the emphasis on the Resurrection and the mitigation of the Crucifixion. Marx has his own view of morality which is obvious. The cross symbolizes the overcoming of sin. The radical left in the Catholic Church does not believe in sin and want to deemphasize the cross.
Jesus came to bring salvation to all men, yet he will be sign of contradiction because some people will obstinately reject him. Unconsciously, card. Marx denies this. He sees the Cross as offensive to those who, himself included, stubbornly reject Christ.
I did not understand the controversy until I read the final paragraph. The Bavarian prime minister wants the cross in every office of the state. Marx does not. No surprise there---In reality, Marx sees the cross as divisive. What is starting to become clear under this administration is the emphasis on the Resurrection and the mitigation of the Crucifixion. Marx has his own view of morality which is obvious. The cross symbolizes the overcoming of sin. The radical left in the Catholic Church does not believe in sin and want to deemphasize the cross.
ReplyDeleteJesus came to bring salvation to all men, yet he will be sign of contradiction because some people will obstinately reject him.
DeleteUnconsciously, card. Marx denies this. He sees the Cross as offensive to those who, himself included, stubbornly reject Christ.
He never misses a meal it appears. He became a priest because he saw a giant trough and a free ride. What a disgrace.
ReplyDelete